Equity Bank Hawks blanked Strathmore University Swords 65-48 in a women’s Kenya National Basketball League encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The win pushed the bankers to second, behind champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Both teams have 18 points.
Maryann Nyagaki led Hawks, who took a 38-18 lead at the breather, with 22 points while Betty Kananu provided 10.
“The team is getting closer to where I want them to be. I am giving every player minutes to show what they have. I am expecting two frontcourt players,” said Hawks coach Ben Oluoch.
Judith Pantaleo managed 26 points, including 10 in one stretch as United States International University (USIU) Flames defeated Nakuru-based TH3 Swish 49-40.
“We played three bad quarters against a team that has nothing to lose. The last quarter was better as we tightened our defense,” said Flames’ George Mayienga.
It was a fruitful weekend for USIU, who also blanked Swords 64-38 as Pantaleo dropped 26 points including five three-pointers.
Africa Nazarene University (ANU) Panthers thumped Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) 62-36. Desiree Henrie grabbed 14 points.
But ANU were no match for Zetech University Sparks, who thrashed them 63-46 as national team star Madina Okot registered 20 points.
In Eldoret, KPA women thrashed Eldonets 90-29 while the men’s side beat Eldonets Platinum 63-58 at Uasin Gishu Primary School courts.
“It was a great game with a lot of energy and good execution. Teamwork and togetherness also played a key role,” said KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu.
Coach Sammy Kiki said: “It was a tough game but we kept our heads high and made sure we won. However, we had lapses in defence which we will work on.”
In the Lower Divison matches, Florence Mbithe nailed 19 points as Safe Spaces upset Stanbic Aces 55-46. Aces beat Swords 50-27.
Jeff Onyango shot 35 points as Moischers thumped Clique Mambas 98-27. Little Prince hit Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 53-47.
